FOLLOW PROGRESS of “THE ARKANSAS A”
The Arkansas A, created by artist Stephen Shachtman, was the winning sculpture proposal of the 2017 Monument Sculpture Commission Competition at our 10th Invitational Sculpture Show & Sale held April 21-23. This page is dedicated to following the progress of the sculpture’s construction and, ultimately, its installation. This sculpture will be placed in the area of the Southwest Community Center in Little Rock in the spring of 2018.
Please check back for periodic updates from the artist.
The artist’s rendering of “The Arkansas A,” on location in front of Dee Brown library, 6325 Baseline Road, in southwest Little Rock.
Design Notes from the Artist: This sculpture represents a culmination of parts forming a stronger, more impactful unit as a result. The graphic nature of the sculpture is ideal for both ease of viewing while in motion and creating an iconic sculpture for the Community Center campus. Because this site incorporates so many activities and houses several public buildings, the convergence of this is represented in this form – a central piece acts as the hub of all the opportunities the campus offers.
At the heart of the three steel forms is a sphere representing the community. The Steel/Bronze portion of the “A” represents Arkansas, while the individual pieces of the flagstone sphere make up my notion its people
Fabricated in CorTen steel, with a Bronze cap at the point of each pillar. The tallest form measures approximately 16-feet high. The overall footprint will span approximately 10ft wide. The center sphere is composed of stacked flagstone pieces which create the stepped sphere form. (Not a perfect smooth sphere, but stepped to create sphere appearance.) The sphere structurally helps connect the three legs, which are then bolted into cement piers.
This sculpture, unique and one of a kind, has been designed specifically for Little Rock; its value is $60,000.
Materials Description:
COR-TEN STEEL: The trade name for a steel alloy material originally produced by United States this group of steel alloys was developed to eliminate the need for painting by forming a stable rust-like appearance when exposed to weather for several years as a weathering steel. This material is a corrosion resistant steel, left uncoated develops an outer layer patina. This patina protects the steel from further corrosion.
BRONZE: The artwork is cast in this prized alloy, favored by artists and conservators for its durability and ease of casting. Cast bronze has been in existence for over 2,000 years, utilized for a wide range of purposes including artwork, weaponry, mechanical and architectural elements.
SANDSTONE: A sedimentary stone, usually formed as a result of quartz stones being eroded and redepos- ited by either water or wind. Sandstone consists of larger grain particles than slate. Most of these materi- als are taken out of the ground one piece at a time and will have a “natural cleft” finish, which is the natural bedding plane of the material.
Dimensional View of The Arkansas A:
Sculpture Sustainability: Environmental stewardship is important to me. I use environmentally conscious materials and processes in the creation of my artwork. This is of great importance for art in public places, both in theme and practice. Cor-Ten Steel is structurally sound, sustainable, 100% recyclable and composed from pre and post consumer recycled steel, LEED certified, resistant to heat and atmospheric corrosion, and therefore long- lasting with minimal care. Most of my artwork is fabricated from this ‘green’ material.
As the site is developed, the exact placement within the site will be explored. I look forward to working with you to create a beautiful place-making design that enhances this site.
